天然辅助细胞在初次和再次RSV感染所诱发气道炎症反应中的作用

天然辅助细胞(natural helper cell,NHC)是近期发现的二型固有淋巴细胞的一种,因其在病毒感染后分泌大量Th2型细胞因子,故在病毒感染所诱发的气道炎症反应中发挥重要作用。呼吸道合胞病毒(Respiratory Syncytial Virus,RSV)是最常见的呼吸道病毒,也是一个反复感染的过程。NHC在RSV感染过程发挥的作用尤其是在再次感染中具体作用尚不清楚,故本研究建立初次及再次感染模型,通过计数肺泡灌洗液(BALF)中炎性细胞数量,HE染色观察肺病理炎症反应,Real-time RT-PCR法检测肺组织及NHC内Th1/Th2型细胞因子IFN-γ、IL-5、IL-13mRNA的表达,膜表面染色检测肺组织内CD45+Lin-ST2+标记的NHC数量,细胞膜内染色检测分泌Th1/Th2型细胞因子IFN-γ、IL-5、IL-13的NHC数量,探讨NHC在初次及再次RSV感染所诱发导致气道炎症反应中的作用。结果显示与再次RSV感染相比,初次RSV感染引起的肺炎症反应明显加重,且肺组织内Th2型细胞因子IL-5、IL-13mRNA表达水平亦明显增多,提示与再次RSV感染相比,初次RSV感染可能通过诱导机体产生更多的Th2型细胞因子,进而导致较重的气道炎症。流式细胞分析术发现初次RSV感染鼠肺组织内NHC总数及IL-5+NHC,IL-13+NHC数量明显多于再次RSV感染组,提示与再次RSV感染相比,初次RSV感染诱导更多的Th2型NHC进入肺组织,参与气道炎症。研究证实NHC通过分泌Th2型细胞因子,尤其是IL-5和IL-13,介导RSV感染所诱发的气道炎症反应。     

Ⅱ型固有淋巴细胞及其在变应性哮喘中的作用

变应性哮喘是一种以慢性气道炎症和气道高反应性为特征的异质性疾病,与白细胞介素-4(interleukin-4,IL-4)、IL-5和IL-13等II型辅助性T细胞(type 2 T helper cell,Th2)分泌的细胞因子有关。II型固有淋巴细胞(type 2 innate lymphoid cells,ILC2s)是在转录因子维甲酸相关孤核受体α(retinoic acid receptor related orphan receptorα,RORα)和GATA结合因子3(GATA-binding factor 3,GATA3)控制下由骨髓中的淋巴样祖细胞发育而来。ILC2s能分泌Th2型细胞因子如IL-5和IL-13,有助于启动和维持II型免疫反应。近期研究表明,ILC2s在变应性哮喘中发挥着不可替代的作用。研究ILC2s对于了解变应性哮喘的发病机制具有重要意义。该文将主要综述ILC2s的发现、发育、分布与功能及其与变应性哮喘关系的最新进展。     

金线莲多糖对免疫抑制小鼠脾淋巴细胞体外增殖、分泌NO及细胞因子的影响

本试验旨在研究金线莲多糖(ARP)对免疫抑制小鼠脾淋巴细胞体外增殖、NO及细胞因子IL-2、IL-6、IFN-γ分泌水平的影响。MTT法检测小鼠脾淋巴细胞体外增殖;Griess法检测NO分泌水平;ELISA法检测细胞因子IL-2、IL-6、IFN-γ的含量。结果显示,与对照组比较,ARP在50~400μg/m L可明显促进免疫抑制小鼠脾淋巴细胞体外增殖(P0.01),促进NO分泌(P0.01),促进细胞因子IL-2、IL-6和IFN-γ分泌(P0.05,P0.01)。以上结果提示ARP能提高免疫抑制小鼠脾淋巴细胞体外免疫活性,其作用机制可能与促进免疫抑制小鼠脾淋巴细胞增殖,促进NO产生以及提高IL-2、IL-6、IFN-γ的分泌水平有关。     

应用体内外实验筛选可降低牛乳β-乳球蛋白过敏的乳杆菌

【目的】通过体内外实验评估5种乳杆菌缓解牛乳β-乳球蛋白(BLG)过敏的作用,为今后筛选具有抗过敏活性的乳杆菌提供参考。【方法】首先体外分析5种活的/热致死的乳杆菌促进小鼠原代淋巴细胞分泌细胞因子(CK)IFN-γ和IL-4的水平,随后应用小鼠BLG过敏模型评估这5种乳杆菌抑制过敏的能力。将实验动物随机分为空白组、BLG致敏组和5种活的/热致死乳杆菌组。采用ELISA法检测各组小鼠淋巴细胞分泌Thl/Th2型CK的水平,并测定小鼠血清中总IgE和BLG特异性IgE的含量。【结果】在体外可促进淋巴细胞分泌IFN-γ、抑制IL-4,使其IFN-γ/IL-4比值(代表Thl/Th2细胞平衡)显著高于正常对照组(P<0.05)的乳杆菌,在体内实验中也能有效提高致敏小鼠淋巴细胞的IFN-γ/IL-4分泌率,并显著降低致敏小鼠血清中总IgE和BLG特异性IgE的水平(P<0.05)。相反,在体外的IFN-γ/IL-4比值较低的乳杆菌,不能缓解特异性IgE抗体介导的食物过敏反应。【结论】基于乳杆菌体外刺激小鼠原代淋巴细胞分泌Th1/Th2型CK的结果,可以预测菌株在体内具有可通过纠正Th2占优势的Th1/Th2细胞失衡,下调抗体分泌量,缓解小鼠BLG过敏症状的能力。     

Th细胞与吸烟、被动吸烟所致肺部疾病的研究进展

T辅助细胞(Th)根据功能不同可分为Th1、Th2和Th17三个亚群,Th1细胞主要分泌γ-干扰素(IFN-γ)、白细胞介素-2(IL-2)等,促进细胞免疫;Th2细胞分泌白细胞介素-4、-5、-6、-10、-13(IL-4、IL-5、IL-6、IL-10、IL-13)等,促进体液免疫。正常情况下Th1/Th2处于平衡状态,其平衡变化是体内炎症反应与抗炎反应免疫平衡变化的基础,与疾病发生和预后关系密切。Th17通过分泌白细胞介素-17参与固有免疫和某些炎症反应。Th细胞在炎症所致的诸多疾病的形成、发展及转归中发挥巨大作用。研究证明吸烟可促进炎症形成而致多系统疾病,特别是肺部疾病,这与T细胞分化和Th细胞分泌细胞因子的状态相关,本文对Th细胞与吸烟所致肺部疾病相关性的研究成果进行综述。     

Th2与ILC2细胞在哮喘模型中的数量及产生细胞因子的比较研究

目的比较过敏原依赖和非依赖性哮喘模型中2型辅助性T细胞(Th2 cell)和固有淋巴样2型细胞(type 2innate lymphoid cell,ILC2)的功能。方法滴鼻法制备过敏原卵清蛋白(ovalbumin,OVA)和上皮源性细胞因子(IL-25、IL-33)诱导的亚急性和慢性哮喘小鼠模型。收集小鼠肺泡灌洗液(bronchoalvelar lavage fluid,BALF)进行细胞计数;取左肺进行石蜡包埋、切片和HE染色;右肺行流式细胞术,以分析在不同时间点各组小鼠Th2细胞和ILC2细胞数目和占肺组织总细胞比例,并对Th2型细胞因子的来源进行分析。结果与生理盐水组相比,各实验组BALF中总细胞数明显增加; HE染色可见OVA、IL-25和IL-33均可诱导哮喘典型病理学改变;各实验组肺组织中Th2细胞与ILC2细胞均明显上升,数量上以Th2细胞为主,两者均可产生Th2型细胞因子IL-5和IL-13,且以Th2细胞为主。而在致哮喘样改变、促进Th2细胞和ILC2细胞在小鼠肺部聚集等方面,以IL-33的效应最强。结论在过敏原OVA和非过敏原IL-25、IL-33诱导的哮喘模型中,Th2型细胞因子主要来源均为Th2细胞,提示Th2细胞在哮喘的发生、发展中起到主要作用。IL-33可能是过敏性和非过敏性哮喘患者个体化治疗的潜在靶点。     

综述: ILC 细胞的生物学功能与免疫调节作用

ILC细胞即固有淋巴样细胞(innate lymphoid cells),是近年来新发现的一群参与固有免疫的淋巴细胞,根据其表达的转录因子、接受和分泌的细胞因子的不同可以将其分为不同类群．ILC细胞来源于骨髓中的共同淋巴祖细胞(CLP),并可经由淋巴样祖细胞(αLP)、早期淋巴样前体细胞(EILP)、共同辅助淋巴样前体细胞(CHILP)、ILC前体细胞(ILCP)等发育分化为成熟的ILC细胞类群．ILC细胞能够通过与周围环境中的神经细胞、上皮细胞、基质细胞、适应性免疫细胞、髓系细胞、共生菌群等相互作用,协调环境中的信号并广泛参与抗病原体感染、炎症疾病发生、器官形成及组织修复、癌症发生、代谢及生物节律等生物学过程．ILC细胞可能作为新的治疗靶点和治疗手段,对相关疾病进行干预治疗．本文拟就ILC细胞的分类、发育分化、免疫调节、生物学功能、疾病干预策略及研究展望等方面的研究进展进行综述．     

ILC细胞的生物学功能与免疫调节作用

ILC细胞即固有淋巴样细胞(innate lymphoid cells),是近年来新发现的一群参与固有免疫的淋巴细胞,根据其表达的转录因子、接受和分泌的细胞因子的不同可以将其分为不同类群.ILC细胞来源于骨髓中的共同淋巴祖细胞(CLP),并可经由淋巴样祖细胞(αLP)、早期淋巴样前体细胞(EILP)、共同辅助淋巴样前体细胞(CHILP)、ILC前体细胞(ILCP)等发育分化为成熟的ILC细胞类群.ILC细胞能够通过与周围环境中的神经细胞、上皮细胞、基质细胞、适应性免疫细胞、髓系细胞、共生菌群等相互作用,协调环境中的信号并广泛参与抗病原体感染、炎症疾病发生、器官形成及组织修复、癌症发生、代谢及生物节律等生物学过程.ILC细胞可能作为新的治疗靶点和治疗手段,对相关疾病进行干预治疗.本文拟就ILC细胞的分类、发育分化、免疫调节、生物学功能、疾病干预策略及研究展望等方面的研究进展进行综述.     

肉苁蓉多糖的促淋巴细胞增殖作用

目的研究肉苁蓉多糖（CDPS）对小鼠淋巴细胞增殖的影响。方法MTT法检测小鼠脾淋巴细胞的增殖。环磷酰胺（Cy）复制免疫功能低下的动物模型,分别测定正常及免疫低下动物脾脏、胸腺指数。胸腺细胞增殖法测定白细胞介素-2（IL-2）活性。结果CDPS对丝裂原（ConA及LPS）活化淋巴细胞及未活化正常细胞均有明显促增殖作用,并促进淋巴细胞IL-2的分泌。腹腔给药显示CDPS具明显提高正常及免疫低下小鼠的脾指数,对因Cy所致胸腺指数的降低也有显著的对抗作用。结论CDPS可显著促进小鼠脾淋巴细胞增殖,该作用可能与其促IL-2分泌有关。     

小鼠可溶性PD1的克隆、真核表达及生物学活性检测

旨在克隆小鼠PD1胞外区(简称mPD-1)基因,利用真核表达系统表达有活性的分泌型mPD-1蛋白,初步研究其生物学活性。克隆mPD-1基因,将其连入pcDNA3.1(+)/Fc中获得pcDNA3.1(+)-Fc/mPD-1重组表达质粒,转化至大肠杆菌DH5α,进行PCR和双酶切鉴定,并送测序。将阳性质粒转染L929细胞,利用RT-PCR和Western blotting方法鉴定mPD-1/L929稳定表达株。利用Alamar Blue法检测分泌的mPD-l蛋白对淋巴细胞增殖的影响,评价其生物学活性。结果显示,成功构建重组质粒pcDNA3.1(+)-Fc/mPD-1,转染了pcDNA3.1(+)-Fc/mPD-1的L929细胞可将mPD-l蛋白分泌至胞外。A lamar Blue检测结果显示,真核细胞分泌的mPD-1蛋白作用于混合淋巴细胞,与阴性对照相比,可明显促进淋巴细胞的增殖。本试验成功地克隆mPD-1胞外区蛋白,并在L929细胞中得到了分泌型表达。分泌的重组蛋白可有效促进淋巴细胞增殖,为进一步研究其功能和临床应用提供了条件。     

IL-4-transduced tumor cell vaccine induces immunoregulatory type 2 CD8 T lymphocytes that cure lung metastases upon adoptive transfer.

Vaccinations with tumor cells engineered to produce IL-4 prolonged survival and cured 30% of mice bearing pulmonary metastases, an effect abrogated by in vivo depletion of T cells. Vaccination induced type 2 T cell polarization in both CD4 and CD8 T lymphocyte subsets. We focused on the antitumor activity exerted by type 2 CD8+ T cells (Tc2) activated by IL-4 tumor cell vaccination. Tc2 lymphocytes lacked in vitro tumor cytotoxicity, but released IL-4 upon stimulation with tumor cells, as shown by limiting dilution analysis of the frequencies of tumor-specific pCTL and of CD8 cells producing the cytokine. In vivo fresh purified CD8+ T lymphocytes from IL-4-vaccinated mice eliminated 80-100% of lung metastases when transferred into tumor-bearing mice. CD8+ lymphocytes from IL-4-vaccinated IFN-gamma knockout (KO), but not from IL-4 KO, mice cured lung metastases, thus indicating that IL-4 produced by Tc2 cells was instrumental for tumor rejection. The antitumor effect of adoptively transferred Tc2 lymphocytes needed host CD8 T cells and AsGM1 leukocyte populations, and partially granulocytes. These data indicate that Tc2 CD8+ T cells exert immunoregulatory functions and induce tumor rejection through the cooperation of bystander lymphoid effector cells. Tumor eradication is thus not restricted to a type 1 response, but can also be mediated by a type 2 biased T cell response.     

The pattern and level of cytokines secreted by Th1 and Th2 lymphocytes of syphilitic patients correlate to the progression of the disease

The results of our previous work indicated that cell-mediated immune response, of importance in protection against Treponema pallidum, is distinctly inhibited at certain periods of syphilitic infection. Considering that cytokines, produced by Th1 lymphocytes, take part in this response and that their secretion may be regulated by cytokines of Th2 lymphocytes, we examined if, and in which stages of syphilis, such a regulation may exist. In this study we have examined the ability of cells to produce IL-2, IFN and TNF (Th1 or Th1 like cytokines) as well as IL-6 and IL-10 (Th2 or Th2 like cytokines). It was found that cells of syphilitic patients were able to produce IL-2, IFN, TNF, IL-10 and weakly IL-6 already in primary seronegative syphilis. At the same stage of syphilis, but seropositive, ability of Th1 lymphocytes to produce cytokines reached the highest values, whereas the cells producing IL-10 lost this ability. The cells producing IL-6 and MIF had the highest ability in secondary early syphilis. In this stage of syphilis again slightly increased the ability of cells to secrete IL-10, which reached the highest value in early latent syphilis. The growing ability to produce IL-6 and IL-10 was accompanied with a diminished production of IL-2, IFN and TNF nearly in all stages of syphilis. Only MIF, in contrast to other cytokines, was produced in late syphilis without distinct changes. The greatest suppression of Th1 lymphocytes to produce cytokines and cells to secretion of MIF was found in early latent syphilis when the level of IL-10 in cell culture supernates was the highest. High ability of Th2 lymphocytes to cytokines secretion in late syphilis and low ability of Th1 ones, which are very important for cell-mediated immune response, may be the reason for facilitating T. pallidum multiplication and development of latent stages of disease despite presence of immunologically competent cells.     

Kupffer cells from Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice participate in the prompt type 2 differentiation of hepatic T cells in response to worm antigens

Infection with Schistosoma mansoni, a portal vein-residing helminth, is well known to generate life cycle-dependent, systemic immune responses in the host, type 1 deviation during the prepatent period, and type 2 polarization after oviposition. Here we investigated local immunological changes in the liver after infection. Unlike splenocytes, hepatic lymphocytes from infected mice during the prepatent period already produced a higher amount of IL-4 and a lesser amount of IFN-gamma than those from uninfected mice. Hepatic lymphocytes, particularly conventional T cells, but not NK1.1+ T cells, promptly produced IL-4 in response to worm products, soluble worm Ag preparation (SWAP), whenever presented by Kupffer cells from infected mice. The hepatic lymphocytes that had been stimulated with SWAP presented by infected mice-derived Kupffer cells produced a huge amount of IL-4, IL-13, and IL-5 as well as little IFN-gamma in response to immobilized anti-CD3 mAb. Kupffer cells from uninfected mice produced IL-6 and IL-10, but not IL-12 or IL-18, in response to SWAP stimulation and gained the potential to additionally produce IL-4 and IL-13 after the infection. These results suggested that prompt type 2 deviation in the liver after the infection might be due to the alteration of Kupffer cells that induces SWAP-mediated type 2-development of hepatic T cells.     

IL-33-responsive lineage- CD25+ CD44(hi) lymphoid cells mediate innate type 2 immunity and allergic inflammation in the lungs

Innate immunity provides the first line of response to invading pathogens and a variety of environmental insults. Recent studies identified novel subsets of innate lymphoid cells that are capable of mediating immune responses in mucosal organs. In this paper, we describe a subset of lymphoid cells that is involved in innate type 2 immunity in the lungs. Airway exposure of naive BALB/c or C57BL/6J mice to IL-33 results in a rapid (<12 h) production of IL-5 and IL-13 and marked airway eosinophilia independently of adaptive immunity. In the lungs of nonsensitized naive mice, IL-33-responsive cells were identified that have a lymphoid morphology, lack lineage markers, highly express CD25, CD44, Thy1.2, ICOS, Sca-1, and IL-7Rα (i.e., Lin(-)CD25(+)CD44(hi) lymphoid cells), and require IL-7Rα for their development. Airway exposure of naive mice to a clinically relevant ubiquitous fungal allergen, Alternaria alternata, increases bronchoalveolar lavage levels of IL-33, followed by IL-5 and IL-13 production and airway eosinophilia without T or B cells. This innate type 2 response to the allergen is nearly abolished in mice deficient in IL-33R (i.e., ST2), and the Lin(-)CD25(+)CD44(hi) lymphoid cells in the lungs are required and sufficient to mediate the response. Thus, a subset of innate immune cells that responds to IL-33 and vigorously produces Th2-type cytokines is present in mouse lungs. These cells may provide a novel mechanism for type 2 immunity in the airways and induction of allergic airway diseases such as asthma.     

Heterogeneity among T helper cells. Interleukin 2 secretion and help for immunoglobulin secretion

T lymphocytes are thought to provide "help" for B cells by activating them from the resting state, by secretion of antigen-nonspecific lymphokines that promote B cell differentiation and maturation, and by providing signals that induce isotype switching. To clarify the extent to which these different forms of helper activity could be carried out by individual T cells, we set up cultures in which B cells activated, and were in turn themselves stimulated by, limiting numbers of T cells through differences at the H-2 or Mls loci. At T cell doses at which responses were likely to represent the activity of individual helper T cells (or their immediate clonal progeny), we found that some T cells were able both to produce interleukin 2 (IL-2) and to induce secretion of both IgM and IgG, whereas others induced immunoglobulin (Ig) secretion without detectable IL-2 production, and still others made IL-2 but did not promote antibody secretion. We could not detect B cell stimulatory factor 1 production by alloantigen-stimulated T cells, and the addition of antibodies to B cell stimulatory factor 1 did not prevent Ig production. Two results, however--higher Ig accumulation in those wells that received an IL-2-producing cell, and inhibition by anti-IL-2 receptor antibodies of B cell but not T cell function--are consistent with a direct stimulatory effect of IL-2 on B cells in this system. The pattern of helper functions exhibited by T cells freshly isolated from mice differs from that inferred from studies of cloned lines of T cells in long term cultures.     

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone alters the T helper cytokine balance in the pregnant rat

The interactions between immune-endocrine and reproductive systems are heightened during pregnancy as an adaptive mechanism, and are regulated by a complex array of hormones and cytokines that control the survival of a semiallogeneic conceptus. GnRH can exert direct effects on the immune system via its receptor (GnRH-R) on lymphoid cells. In the present study, we employed in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo approaches to investigate the role of GnRH in the modulation of T helper cytokines in pregnant rats undergoing termination of pregnancy. Day 8 pregnant rats were infused with a GnRH agonist (GnRH-Ag) for 24 h using an osmotic minipump. Sham control rats were infused with the vehicle, saline. Lymphocytes were isolated from sham and treated rats and polyclonally stimulated with immobilized anti-CD3 antibody. The levels of the signature T helper 1 (Th-1) cytokines (interferon-gamma [IFN-gamma] and interleukin-2 [IL-2]) and Th-2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) were measured in culture supernatants. Using immunoflourescence confocal microscopy, we demonstrated for the first time the spatial localization of GnRH-R protein on the surface of lymphocytes. We observed a marked increase in IFN-gamma and inhibition of IL-4 production from lymphocytes of pregnant rats treated in vitro with different doses of GnRH-Ag. Further, the responsiveness of lymphocytes to produce IFN-gamma was markedly increased in cells cultured ex vivo from GnRH-Ag infused rats, whereas the capacity of lymphocytes to produce IL-4 was significantly inhibited. In addition, GnRH-Ag infusion in pregnant rats induced a shift toward Th-1 cytokines in the serum. We did not observe any significant difference in IL-2 and IL-10 production in response to GnRH-Ag. Our results suggest an additional function for GnRH as a Th-1 inducer and Th-2 inhibitor. GnRH can thus skew the cytokine balance to predominantly Th-1 type in pregnancy, leading to the termination of pregnancy in rats.     

Secretion and role of interleukin-1-like factor in the antibody response to dinitrophenyl dextran and other type 2 T-independent antigens

Splenic adherent cells (SAC) were found to produce a humoral factor when they were cultured with dinitrophenyl-dextran or some other type 2 T-independent (TI-2) antigens. The factor substituted adherent cells in in vitro antibody responses to TI-2 antigens, and acted in an antigen-nonspecific and H-2-nonrestricted manner. T cells were indicated not to participate in the production of the factor. The factor was eluted from a Sephadex G-75 column with interleukin-1 (IL-1) activity to promote a thymocyte proliferation response to phytohemagglutinin. The molecular weight of the factor was estimated to be 16,000 Da. Both activities of the factor were absorbed by LBRM-33-1A5 cells. These results indicate that SAC secrete IL-1-like factor on direct stimulation by TI-2 antigens and that the secretion of the factor represents a major function of SAC in the antibody response to these antigens.     

Murine isolated lymphoid follicles contain follicular B lymphocytes with a mucosal phenotype

Isolated lymphoid follicles (ILFs) are organized intestinal lymphoid structures whose formation can be induced by luminal stimuli. ILFs have been demonstrated to act as inductive sites for the generation of immune responses directed toward luminal stimuli; however, the phenotype of the immune response initiated within ILFs has largely been uninvestigated. To gain a better understanding of the immune responses initiated within ILFs, we examined phenotypic and functional aspects of the largest cellular component of the murine ILF lymphocyte population, B lymphocytes. We observed that murine ILF B lymphocytes are composed of a relatively homogenous population of follicular B-2 B lymphocytes. Consistent with their proximity to multiple stimuli, ILF B lymphocytes displayed a more activated phenotype compared with their counterparts in the spleen and Peyer's patch (PP). ILF B lymphocytes also expressed higher levels of immunomodulatory B7 and CD28 family members B7X and programmed death-1 compared with their counterparts in the spleen and PP. ILF B lymphocytes preferentially differentiate into IgA-producing plasma cells and produce more IL-4 and IL-10 and less interferon-gamma compared with their counterparts in the spleen. Immunoglobulin repertoire analysis from individual ILFs demonstrated that ILFs contain a polyclonal population of B lymphocytes. These findings indicate that murine ILFs contain a polyclonal population of follicular B-2 B lymphocytes with a phenotype similar to PP B lymphocytes and that, in unchallenged animals, ILFs promote immune responses with a homeostatic phenotype.